NFF Names 2026 Award Honorees, Led by Gene Taylor and Todd Ellis

By Habari Entertainment

IRVING, Texas — Kansas State athletics director Gene Taylor and longtime South Carolina broadcaster Todd Ellis headline the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s 2026 major award recipients, announced September 30.

The NFF will recognize 12 honorees—including an athletic conference—during its 68th Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 8 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino.

The awards recognize contributions across athletics administration, broadcasting, officiating, communications, bowl leadership, and community programs supporting student-athletes.

“Our 2026 honorees have dedicated their careers to strengthening the game,” NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell said in the announcement.

Gene Taylor Receives John L. Toner Award

Taylor will receive the NFF John L. Toner Award, which recognizes athletics directors for outstanding administrative leadership and dedication to college athletics, particularly football.

Kansas State’s athletics director since 2017, Taylor has overseen a period that includes the Wildcats’ 2022 Big 12 football championship, seven bowl appearances, and significant facility improvements.

His football leadership has included hiring Chris Klieman to succeed Bill Snyder and later selecting former Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein following Klieman’s retirement in 2025.

Taylor also brings an Arizona connection: he earned his business management degree from Arizona State University in 1980. His administrative career has included positions at SMU, Navy, North Dakota State, and Iowa.

According to the NFF, Kansas State recorded $45.7 million in total cash giving to its athletics department during fiscal year 2026, setting a department fundraising record.

Todd Ellis Honored for South Carolina Broadcasting Career

Ellis will receive the NFF Chris Schenkel Award, presented to a broadcaster with a distinguished career and longstanding ties to a particular school.

A former South Carolina quarterback, Ellis is in his 35th season with the Gamecock Sports Radio Network. He became the program’s radio play-by-play announcer in 2003 after previously serving as a sideline reporter.

His broadcasting career has spanned some of South Carolina’s most memorable football moments, including its 2010 SEC East championship season and three consecutive 11-win seasons from 2011 through 2013.

Before entering broadcasting, Ellis established more than 20 school passing records during his playing career from 1986 through 1989. He later earned a law degree from South Carolina and has practiced law for more than three decades.

Five Legacy Awards Recognize Service to Football

The NFF Legacy Award recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional contributions to the foundation or its mission of promoting football, academic achievement, and leadership.

The 2026 recipients are:

• Rick Baker, former president and CEO of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, who retired in April after 38 years with the organization. His tenure included the Cotton Bowl’s move to AT&T Stadium and its participation in the College Football Playoff.
• Chris Plonsky, Texas executive senior associate athletics director and chief of staff, whose career includes leadership in athletics administration, communications and national sports organizations. She previously served on the NFF Board of Directors.
• Steve Shaw, former national coordinator of football officials and NCAA football secretary-rules editor, recognized for his work in officiating, rules development and the use of technology to improve officiating practices.
• Herb Vincent, SEC associate commissioner for communications, plans to retire after the 2026 football season following a 43-year career in college and professional sports.
• The New England Small College Athletic Conference, recognized for its commitment to combining athletics with the educational missions of its member institutions.

The NESCAC recognition comes as its football programs become eligible for the NCAA Division III Championship for the first time in the 2026 season. The conference champion will receive an automatic berth, while other teams may qualify through at-large selection.

Chapter Leaders Recognized for Local Impact

Five recipients will receive NFF Chapter Leadership Awards, with one honoree representing each region of the country:

Their work includes scholarship programs, recognition of high school scholar-athletes, and efforts to expand opportunities for young players.

Ma’ae helped restart the Hawaii Chapter in 2024 after seven years of inactivity. According to the NFF, two signature chapter events have helped participating student-athletes receive nearly 300 college scholarship offers since the relaunch. The chapter has also supported the development of girls’ flag football.

The foundation reports that its nationwide network includes 120 chapters and more than 12,000 members. Collectively, the chapters recognize more than 3,500 scholar-athletes and distribute more than $1 million in scholarships annually.

December Ceremony Will Also Celebrate Scholar-Athletes

The December 8 dinner will feature the induction of the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame Class and presentation of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments.

The event will also announce the recipient of the 37th William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes excellence in academics, football performance, and leadership.

The 2026 National Scholar-Athlete Class, which also serves as the pool of Campbell Trophy finalists, is scheduled to be announced October 21.

Source: National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announcement, September 30, 2026.

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